The Cutwater (Rhynchops nigra)
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This bird stands on a small patch of land with its wings slightly spread. Its body is mostly black, but its head and chest are a light gray. The beak is long, black, and splits into two sharp points at the tip. The feet are red-orange with black claws, and the bird looks alert, facing to the right. The artist used careful shading to show the bird’s feathers and texture. The colors are soft but precise, with a focus on natural tones. Next, look up etching to see how artists create detailed prints like this one.
